Auto Show in Rockport this Saturday

About 100 domestic and foreign vintage vehicles from across the state will roll up for the annual Rockport Sports and Classic Auto Show.

The auto show is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rockport Beach Park, at the intersection of Veterans Memorial Drive and East Laurel Street.

The show, which will celebrates its 20th year, is presented by the Corpus Christi MG Car Club.

The more than 15 categories that will be on display include antique vehicles pre-1941, Corvettes as old as 1953 and muscles cars dating back to the 1960s, event officials said.

"You name it, they have it," show co-chairman Steve Dockler said.

Rob Boscamp/Special to the Caller-Times. Tom Smith (left) speaks with Kim Ahlers, of Portland, about automobiles in front of his 1963 TR3B Triumph sports car. Members of the Corpus Chrisi MG Car Club met in Portland to prepare for Saturday's Rockport Sports and Classic Auto Show.

Several thousand people from the area are expected to see the vehicles on display, Dockler said.

"The cars bring the people together," club chairman Kevin Shelling said.

Vehicles must be at least 10 years old to be judged, but newer models can be displayed.

Entrants in each category will cast a participation vote to determine first through third places as well as Best of Show and Best Club Display.

Ten door prizes also will be given to auto show entrants throughout the day.

Rob Boscamp/Special to the Caller-Times. Rockport Sports and Classic Auto Show co-chairman Steve Dockler, of Rockport, stands next to his 1977 MGB convertible. About 100 domestic and foreign automobiles will be on display during the 20th annual Rockport Sports and Classic Auto Show.

Show attendees also enter a raffle for prizes such as hats, shirts and car-related products. They also can fuel their stomachs with vendors selling food such as hot dogs, barbecue and snow cones.

Proceeds will benefit the car club as well as several area nonprofit organizations and individuals, event officials said.

Club treasurer Tom Smith said the auto show provides spectators with a visual history of some automobiles.

"When you stand back and look at them, they're an art form," he said.

It also brings back memories, he said.

The Flour Bluff resident bought his 1963 Triumph TR3B sports car at age 17. Forty-one years later, he continues to show it off this weekend in Rockport.

"I realize that I've had it so long, it's going to be a family heirloom," he said.